As the academic year drew to a close, Dr Homa Molavi, representing Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), participated in the prestigious 1st A.H.E.A.D. Summit Roundtable, hosted by the Department of Engineering Management at the University of Manchester. This high-profile interdisciplinary event focused on engineering management, foresight, innovation, and entrepreneurship, bringing together leading voices from academia and industry.

The summit explored a timely and ambitious question: how can engineering management foresight, particularly leveraging artificial intelligence and large language models, developed by students be translated into real-world innovation and successful entrepreneurial outcomes? Its goal was to bridge the gap between student-led prototypes and the practical realities of today’s innovation ecosystem.

Dr Molavi joined a distinguished panel of experts from investment, industry, academia, and innovation agencies, sharing insights on leadership, commercialisation, and guiding students from research to market. The panel featured representatives from venture capital, Innovate UK, advanced manufacturing, higher education, and international industry.

A key aspect of the summit was mentorship and cross-sector collaboration, with Dr Molavi supporting the next generation of engineering management talent. By engaging directly with experienced professionals, students gained a clearer understanding of the skills, strategies, and mindsets required to turn innovative ideas into meaningful impact.